Saudi officials have yet to comment on the attack, either as to why they were killing beekeepers, or on what conceivable pretext such strikes would happen. Attacks on obvious civilian targets are alarmingly common across Yemen, but particularly in Hodeidah.

The vital aid port of Hodeidah imports about 70% of all food into Yemen, and is the only aid port still under the control of the Shi’ite Houthis, who control the northern half of the country. This makes the port responsible for feeding millions of civilians.

The Saudi and UAE-led offensive against the port is fueling concerns of an impending humanitarian crisis, as fighting outside the city is already cutting off a lot of routes into and out of the city, risking a famine across much of Yemen.